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Sandstone Falls

4.6
Β·584 reviewsΒ·Shady Spring, United States

Experience the breathtaking, wide-reaching cascades of Sandstone Falls, a natural wonder in the New River Gorge.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Powerful cascades from melt

CrowdMedium
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Sandstone Falls - Image 1

Sandstone Falls

Best Time

Spring mornings

Powerful cascades from melt

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the breathtaking, wide-reaching cascades of Sandstone Falls, a natural wonder in the New River Gorge.

4.6
(584 reviews)

"A stunning span of short waterfalls with wonderful views from a boardwalk."

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸš— Ample Parking Available

Don't worry about parking; there's plenty of space for visitors to the falls. πŸš—

🚢 Boardwalk Views

Enjoy easy access via a long wooden boardwalk with numerous lookout spots. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 Β· 584 reviews

πŸ…ΏοΈ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cascading Falls

The Cascading Falls

Main viewing area

A stunning series of short waterfalls stretching across the New River, offering breathtaking views.

Island Loop Trail

Island Loop Trail

Near main viewing area

A short, accessible trail offering unique perspectives of the expansive sandstone waterfall.

Scenic Overlook

Scenic Overlook

Opposite side of Hinton

Drive to the other side of Hinton for a panoramic view of Sandstone Falls from a mountain vantage point.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Sandstone Falls

Sandstone Falls is a popular spot, especially during peak seasons. Consider visiting on weekdays or during shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. The falls are beautiful year-round, but spring melt offers powerful cascades.

Accessing Sandstone Falls

Sandstone Falls is part of the New River Gorge National Park. While the main viewing area is easily accessible with ample parking, some trails may be closed or unmaintained. Always check park conditions before your visit.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Powerful cascades from melt
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Autumn colors enhance views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Send this to someone you’d like to stay here with ❀️ Summer 2025 is almost completely booked at The Bungalows featuring Sandstone Falls! ✨ we still have a few spring, fall, and winter dates available for 2025! If you’re wanting to stay at The Bungalows during summer be sure to join our email list for last minute cancellations. We also have summer dates available for 2026! 🌿 πŸ“ Hocking Hills, Ohio...
thecliffs_hockinghills
271.2K likes β€’ 6.2M views

πŸš— Ample Parking Available

Don't worry about parking; there's plenty of space for visitors to the falls. πŸš—

🚢 Boardwalk Views

Enjoy easy access via a long wooden boardwalk with numerous lookout spots. :camerawithflash:

Send this to someone you want to visit Sandstone Falls with ✨❀️ πŸ“ Hocking Hills, Ohio
thecliffs_hockinghills
37.7K likes β€’ 721.2K views
A cloudy evening on Sandstone Falls #newrivergorge #WestVirginia #waterfall
dave_has_a_camera
55 likes β€’ 454 views

🏞️ Free to Explore

Admission to Sandstone Falls is completely free, making it a budget-friendly stop. :moneywithwings:

⚠️ Trail Closures

Be aware that some trails, like the Island Loop, may be closed or unmaintained. ⚠️

Send this to someone you want to visit Sandstone Falls with ✨❀️ πŸ“ Hocking Hills, Ohio
thecliffs_hockinghills
2.4K likes β€’ 60.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸš— Ample Parking Available

Don't worry about parking; there's plenty of space for visitors to the falls. πŸš—

🚢 Boardwalk Views

Enjoy easy access via a long wooden boardwalk with numerous lookout spots. :camerawithflash:

🏞️ Free to Explore

Admission to Sandstone Falls is completely free, making it a budget-friendly stop. :moneywithwings:

⚠️ Trail Closures

Be aware that some trails, like the Island Loop, may be closed or unmaintained. ⚠️

πŸš— Drive to Overlook

For a different perspective, drive to the scenic overlook on the other side of Hinton. :road:

πŸ”Š Hear the Falls

Even from the viewing area, you can hear the impressive rumble of the rushing water below. :sound:

πŸ“ Hocking Hills Option

Some accommodations in Hocking Hills, Ohio, are near a place also called Sandstone Falls. :housewithgarden:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(584 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Sandstone Falls for its impressive, expansive cascades and easy accessibility via a well-maintained boardwalk. The ample parking and free admission are significant draws, making it a convenient and enjoyable stop within the New River Gorge. Some visitors note that certain trails may be closed or unmaintained, and direct access to the water is limited.

"One of the highlights in the New River Gorge national Park in West Virginia. There is ample parking, picnic tables and a boardwalk to go and get wonderful views of the falls that extend quite a distance. You can have a short hike on Island loop trail. It is free to visit."

Dipak Oza

"Super interesting span of short waterfalls. Not much of a walk from the parking lot. Its a long wooden path with lots of look out spots."

kim romine

"Good spot to go and see the falls, its about a 20 minute drive to go over to them, if you have the time I would recommend doing that. The trees were blocking the view in places and its just better in person.

Some people mentioned a trail, it is marked as being closed and is not maintained, there are trees down and it is very steep."

Calvin Andries

What People Like

Expansive waterfall views
Easy boardwalk access
Ample free parking

What People Dislike

Closed/unmaintained trails
Limited water access

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Sandstone Falls is located in the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. It's about a 20-minute drive from Hinton. The main viewing area has ample parking. For a different perspective, you can drive to a scenic overlook on the side of the mountain by going through Hinton. Reddit

The most prominent Sandstone Falls, known for its expansive cascades, is in West Virginia, part of the New River Gorge National Park. There is also a place called Sandstone Falls associated with accommodations in Hocking Hills, Ohio. Instagram+1

The primary access is via a well-maintained boardwalk from the parking lot, offering excellent views. Some other trails may be closed or unmaintained, so stick to the main paths for ease of access. Reddit+1

Yes, there is ample parking available at the main viewing area for Sandstone Falls, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

You can drive directly to the main viewing area of Sandstone Falls. There's also an option to drive to a scenic overlook on the opposite side of Hinton for a different vantage point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sandstone Falls is free to visit. It's a highlight within the New River Gorge National Park and does not require an admission fee. Reddit

Sandstone Falls is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Specific park hours may apply, but the falls themselves are always visible. Instagram

No advance booking is necessary for Sandstone Falls as it is a free public access area within the national park. Reddit

While the main viewing area is accessible, some trails might be marked as closed or unmaintained due to safety concerns. Always respect posted signs and park regulations. Reddit

Yes, Sandstone Falls is an excellent spot for a quick stop. The main viewing area is very close to the parking lot, and the boardwalk provides easy access to the falls. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy the impressive views of the cascading waterfalls from the boardwalk, take a short walk on the Island Loop trail (if open), and listen to the roar of the water. There are also picnic tables available. Reddit+1

Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted directly at Sandstone Falls due to strong currents and the nature of the cascades. It's best enjoyed from the viewing platforms. Instagram

The main boardwalk leading to the viewing area is generally accessible and provides good views without strenuous hiking. However, some of the unmaintained trails may not be suitable. Reddit

The best way to view Sandstone Falls is from the extensive boardwalk, which offers multiple vantage points. Driving to the scenic overlook on the other side of Hinton provides a broader perspective. Reddit+1

Yes, there is a single, clean outhouse available at the Sandstone Falls viewing area. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography Tips

The boardwalk offers numerous angles for capturing the width of the falls. The scenic overlook provides a grander, more distant view. Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal. Instagram+1

For capturing the water's movement, use a slower shutter speed to create a silky effect. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water and enhance colors. Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted within national park boundaries. Always check the latest FAA and National Park Service regulations before flying a drone near Sandstone Falls. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer harsh shadows, making them ideal for photography. Cloudy days can also provide diffused light, which is great for waterfalls. Instagram

While you can hear the water's rumble, direct access to the water's edge is limited for safety reasons. The boardwalk provides excellent, safe viewing and photo opportunities. Reddit

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